Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Special Olympics Helps Athletes Lead Rewarding Lives


The Special Olympics experience fills a critical need in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities for physical activity, social interaction, and the demonstration of competence to themselves, their families and the community. The improvements athletes make in social skills and friendships are often dramatic.   Special Olympics athletes learn developmental and life skills as the benefits of participation translate beyond sports, helping them to live more independent and rewarding lives.

Ronald Frank Nagel, a Delaware County athlete and Global Messenger, recently received a generous scholarship to continue his education in the Career Independent Living and Learning Studies (CILLS) Program at East Stroudsburg University from Ruby's Rainbow. The "goal and mission at Ruby’s Rainbow is to grant scholarships to adults with Down syndrome who are seeking post-secondary education, enrichment or vocational classes, and help them achieve their dreams of higher education, while spreading awareness of their capabilities and general awesomeness."

Ronald will be entering his 3rd year in the program, where he is enjoying the life of a college student. He is taking classes and is involved in extra-curricular activities including Best Buddies Rehabilitative Services Student Organization (RSSO) where he is serving in leadership roles and interning at the WESS, the on-campus radio station. He has set many goals for himself, but his passion is to obtain a position at a radio station. He'll continue this year working on the skills needed to reach his dream.

Congratulations to Ronald and the thousands of Special Olympics Pennsylvania athletes that achieve more independent and rewarding lives!